Presented by
The Governor's Council on Substance Abuse Prevention
A Message From the Governor
Dear Friends,
The Governor's Cooperative Agreement for Prevention, also known as G-CAP, is the result of a grant that the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention awarded to the Governor's Office several years ago. These funds, which are intended to reduce substance abuse among young people ages 12 to 17, are administered through the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS).
I am requesting that all state agencies and selected community initiatives use this comprehensive prevention strategy to create youth-development and risk-prevention partnerships that engage all potential contributors to the success of youth. Specifically, these partnerships should develop the capacity to engage families, schools, community organizations, law enforcement, faith communities, healthcare providers, businesses, local government, the media and, most of all, young people themselves. Although South Carolina has previously developed some good efforts in these areas, G-CAP allows us to be more directed and use proven, effective strategies. I urge you to use the G-CAP program to target measurable results and strategies in the prevention area.
We begin with substance abuse because we know that the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs is linked to many of the types of behaviors we hope to discourage in our young people. Furthermore, I am asking the G-CAP communities and their partners to address the risk factors that are the root causes of adolescent risk behaviors. Only through inclusive, community-wide partnerships can we all be engaged in effective promotion of positive youth development and prevention of risk behaviors. If broad community partnerships energetically address the risk and protective factors that influence youth risk behaviors, then substance abuse will decline substantially along with other social problems.
I urge you to participate fully in G-CAP to ensure positive youth development and prevention of substance abuse among our children. I will strongly encourage private agencies and organizations to support the program and collaborate with us as well. I appreciate the efforts of the Governor's Council on Substance Abuse Prevention (see Appendix 1), and I thank them for their dedication to this important cause. I know that with youth and adults working together, we will create lasting solutions for a better South Carolina.
Sincerely,
Mark Sanford